NTSB and WH Collaborate on Baltimore Bridge Investigation after Ship Collapse: Buttigieg

Following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, recovery efforts are in full swing as authorities work to clear the wreckage and ensure the safety of marine traffic in the area.

Rebuilding Process

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has emphasized that the rebuilding process will be challenging and will not be resolved quickly. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in collaboration with the Coast Guard, has been assigned the task of cleaning up the area, indicating that this process will be exhaustive and time-consuming.

Emergency Operations

The Baltimore District of the Army Corps of Engineers has activated its emergency operations center, mobilizing over 1,100 specialists in various fields to support local, state, and federal agencies involved in the response to the bridge collapse.

Support and Recovery Efforts

The Army Corps of Engineers has committed to providing underwater assessment capabilities, certified bridge safety inspectors, structural engineering support, and urban search and rescue technical specialists. These efforts aim to ensure the safety of the area and aid in the removal of debris that may pose threats to navigation.

Search and Rescue

Tragically, two bodies were recovered from the river, while four construction workers remain missing and are presumed to have lost their lives in the collapse. Divers also found a submerged red pickup truck in the waterway, underscoring the complexity of the recovery operation.

Saving Lives and Ensuring Safety

Maryland State Police Superintendent Col. Roland Butler has highlighted the transition from a recovery mode to a salvage operation due to the challenging conditions surrounding the submerged vehicles and debris. The safety of the divers is a top priority, necessitating this shift in operation.

Costs and Timeline

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has expressed uncertainty regarding the total costs and timeline for the recovery efforts, acknowledging the daunting task ahead. Despite the challenges, he emphasized the unyielding resolve to see the completion of the recovery operation and the commitment to leaving no one behind.

Unity and Resolve

Gov. Wes Moore has reassured the public that despite the daunting nature of the task, unity and resolve will guide the efforts. The commitment to the people affected by the collapse remains unwavering as the recovery work progresses.